A proper head-to-head in South Africa — we cover price, performance,
petrol economy, safety and what it'll actually cost you to own each one long term.
Archive comparison
These models are no longer sold new in South Africa. Verified final local specs and last-listed prices remain available for owners and used-car shoppers.
No longer sold newSpecs stay visible for owner and used-car comparisons.
⚡ 147 kW🔧 440 Nm⛽ 13.8 km/l
＋Add a 3rd car
At a Glance — Who Wins What
⚡PerformanceIONIQ 5
⛽Fuel EconomyIONIQ 5
🛡SafetyTie
📦PracticalitySanta Fe
🔑OwnershipTie
IONIQ 5 starts ZAR 899900 cheaperIONIQ 5 from ZAR 859,900 · Santa Fe from ZAR 899,900
Key Specs Side by Side
The specs that matter most — highlighted where one car leads.
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Engine Power
225 kW
147 kW
Torque
605 Nm
440 Nm
Engine Size
Not confirmed
2199 cc
Claimed Mileage
454 km/l
13.8 km/l
Ground Clearance
160 mm
188 mm
Boot / Load Bay
527 l
703 l
Airbags
7
7
Kerb Weight
2190 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Warranty
5
5
= leads in this spec
Archived models stay fully comparable. Verified specs remain visible; historical fields that were not source-confirmed are marked Not confirmed instead of being guessed.
The Bottom Line
IONIQ 5 has a slight advantage, but Santa Fe remains highly competitive.
Where They Actually Differ
Performance
IONIQ 5
+26 pts
Efficiency
IONIQ 5
+47 pts
Safety
Equal
Practicality
Santa Fe
+19 pts
Ownership
Equal
What Each Car Gets Right (and Wrong)
🏆 Overall Winner
IONIQ 5
Strengths
More powerful engine output
Better fuel efficiency
Weak Spots
Less practical in daily usage
Best suited to:Highway DrivingFuel Efficiency
Santa Fe
Strengths
More practical for daily use
Weak Spots
Less powerful engine setup
Lower fuel efficiency
Best suited to:Family Usage
Which One's Right for You?
IONIQ 5
Drivers who prioritise strong highway performance and overtaking power
Buyers looking for better fuel efficiency
Santa Fe
Large families needing more practicality and usability
Full Specs, Side by Side
Archived cars use verified historical spec records. Rows remain comparable; unavailable historical values are shown plainly rather than estimated.
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Model Introduced Year
2022
2001
Generation
First generation Ioniq 5 on Hyundai's dedicated E-GMP electric platform; 800V fast charging architecture allows rapid 18-minute charge from 10-80% at suitable DC fast chargers
Fifth generation Santa Fe on Hyundai's i-GMP platform; 'Sensuous Sportiness' design with distinctive parametric LED lighting signature
Facelift History
Launched in SA in 2022; updates to battery specifications and charging capabilities followed; the car has been on Hyundai SA's EV flagship from launch
Fifth generation launched in SA in 2022; significant styling and interior quality upgrade; distinctive boxy design language with vertical lighting
Facelift Launched Since
2022
2022
Facelift Version Ending
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Discontinued - exact end year not confirmed
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Ground Clearance
160 mm
188 mm
Wheelbase
3000 mm
2815 mm
Length
4635 mm
4830 mm
Width
1890 mm
1900 mm
Height
1605 mm
1750 mm
Kerb Weight
2190 kg
1980 kg
Seating Capacity
5
7
Boot Space
527 l
703 l
Load Bed Length
527 l
703 l
Load Bed Width
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Number of Doors
5
5
Boot Volume
527 l
703 l
Doors
5
5
Seats
5
7
Fuel Tank Capacity
72.6 l
67 l
Ground Clearance Max
160 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Min
160 mm
188 mm
Ground Clearance Mm
160 mm
188 mm
Height Mm
1605 mm
1750 mm
Length Mm
4635 mm
4830 mm
Loadbox Length Mm
527 l
703 l
Loadbox Width Mm
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Cargo Volume
527 l
703 l
Tare Mass Kg
2190 kg
1980 kg
Width Mm
1890 mm
1900 mm
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Engine
Dual Motor AWD Electric
2.2 R-Series CRDi Diesel
Engine Type
Electric
Diesel
Power
225 kW
147 kW
Torque
605 Nm
440 Nm
Fuel System
Electric Drive
Common Rail Direct Injection
Turbocharger
No
Yes
Top Speed
185 km/h
205 km/h
0-100 km/h
5.1 sec
8.5 sec
Engine Position
Front
Front
Fuel Grade Required
Electric
Diesel
Variable Valve Timing
Yes
Yes
Engine Type Config
Inline
Inline
Engine Power kW
225 kW
147 kW
Engine Torque Nm
605 Nm
440 Nm
Max Power kW
225 kW
147 kW
Max Torque Nm
605 Nm
440 Nm
Displacement
Not confirmed
2199 cc
Cylinders
Not confirmed
4
Power @ RPM
Not confirmed
3800
Torque @ RPM
Not confirmed
1750
Engine Displacement
Not confirmed
2199 cc
Engine Cylinders
Not confirmed
4
Engine Displacement Cc
Not confirmed
2199 cc
Torque Nm Rpm
Not confirmed
1750
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Drive Type
All-Wheel Drive
All-Wheel Drive
Drivetrain Layout
AWD e-4WD
HTRAC AWD
LSD Available
No
Yes
Paddle Shifters
No
Yes
Number of Gears
1 km/h
Not confirmed
Transmission Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission
Automatic
Automatic
Gearbox Type
Automatic
Automatic
Transmission Speeds
1 km/h
Not confirmed
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Claimed Mileage
454 km/l
13.8 km/l
City Mileage
372.3 km/l
11.0 km/l
Highway Mileage
526.6 km/l
17.5 km/l
Fuel Tank Capacity
72.6 l
67 l
Emission Standard
Zero Emission
Euro 6
Average Fuel Consumption
Yes
Yes
Claimed Fuel Consumption
Yes
Yes
Distance To Empty
Yes
Yes
Low Fuel Warning
Yes
Yes
Fuel Efficiency
Yes
Yes
Combined Consumption
Yes
Yes
Combined Consumption L 100km
Yes
Yes
Fuel Economy Combined
Yes
Yes
Fuel Tank Litres
72.6 l
67 l
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Airbags
7
7
ABS
Yes
Yes
Electronic Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Traction Control
Yes
Yes
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Hill Start Assist
Yes
Yes
Child Safety Lock
Yes
Yes
ISOFIX Mounts
Yes
Yes
Brake Assist
Yes
Yes
Tyre Pressure Monitor
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Central Locking
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Warning All Seats
Yes
Yes
Speed Alert System
Yes
Yes
Safety Rating
Not Rated (SA)
Not Rated (SA)
BA
Yes
Yes
Driver Airbag
Yes
Yes
EBD
Yes
Yes
Engine Immobiliser
Yes
Yes
Passenger Airbag
Yes
Yes
Seatbelt Pretensioners
Yes
Yes
TCS
Yes
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Adaptive Cruise Control
Yes
Yes
Lane Keep Assist
Yes
Yes
Lane Departure Warning
Yes
Yes
Blind Spot Monitoring
Yes
Yes
Rear Cross Traffic Alert
Yes
Yes
Parking Sensors
Front & Rear
Front & Rear
Rear View Camera
Yes
Yes
360 Degree Camera
Yes
Yes
Autonomous Emergency Braking
Yes
Yes
Driver Fatigue Alert
Yes
Yes
Traffic Sign Recognition
Yes
No
Auto Lights
Yes
Yes
Auto Wipers
Yes
No
Drive Modes
Eco / Normal
Eco / Normal
Eco Mode
Yes
Yes
EV Mode
No
No
Sport Mode
No
No
Around View Monitor
Yes
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Seat Material
Nappa Leather
Leather
Seat Adjustment
Power 12-way
Power 8-way
Heated Seats
Front & Rear
Front & 2nd Row
Ventilated Seats
Front
Front
Steering Type
Electric
Electric
Steering Adjustment
Tilt & Telescopic
Tilt & Telescopic
Ambient Lighting
64-Colour Ambient
64-Colour Ambient
Folding Rear Seats
60/40 Split
3rd Row Fold Flat
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Rear Armrest
No
No
Cup Holders
4
4
Steering Wheel Material
Leather
Leather
Instrument Cluster Type
Analogue + MID
Analogue + MID
Door Map Pockets
Yes
Yes
60 40 Split Seat
Yes
Yes
Adjustable Driver Seat
Manual
Manual
Adjustable Front Seat
Manual
Manual
Cooled Seats
No
No
Fabric Seats
Yes
Yes
Front Headrest
Yes
Yes
Leather Seats
No
No
Memory Seats
No
No
Rear Headrest
Yes
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Climate Control
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Power Windows
All
All
Keyless Entry
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charging
15W Wireless
15W Wireless
Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Panoramic Sunroof
Electric Tailgate
Hands-Free Electric Tailgate
Yes
Automatic Headlamps
Yes
Not confirmed
Rain Sensing Wipers
Yes
No
Auto Dimming Mirror
Yes
No
Rear Window Defroster
Yes
Yes
Follow Me Home Headlamps
Yes
Yes
12V Accessory Socket
12V
12V
AC Type
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Boot Opener
Inside
Inside
Door Ajar Warning
Yes
Yes
Electric Folding Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Engine Check Warning
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop
Yes
Yes
Engine Start Stop Button
Yes
Yes
Front Armrest
Yes
Yes
Front Power Outlet
Yes
Yes
Fuel Lid Opener
Inside
Inside
Headlamp Height Adjust
Manual
Manual
Headlamp Washer
No
No
Power Mirrors
Yes
Yes
Push Button Start
Yes
Yes
Rear Reading Lamps
Yes
Yes
Service Plan
4
4
Service Reminder
Yes
Yes
Spare Wheel
Steel
Steel
Stability Control
Yes
Yes
Tachometer
Yes
Yes
Telescopic Steering
No
No
Tilt Steering
Yes
Yes
Trip Computer
Yes
Yes
Vanity Mirror
Yes
Yes
Air Conditioning
Dual Zone Auto Climate
Tri-Zone Auto Climate
Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Sound System
8 Bose Premium
8 Meridian Premium
Unlocking
Yes
Yes
Wireless Charger
15W Wireless
15W Wireless
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Infotainment Screen
12-inch Touchscreen
12.3-inch Touchscreen
Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Bluetooth Connectivity
Yes
Yes
Number of Speakers
8 Bose Premium
8 Meridian Premium
Navigation System
Yes
Yes
Digital Instrument Cluster
12-inch Digital Cluster
12.3-inch Digital Cluster
USB Ports
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
2 USB-A + 2 USB-C
Wireless Apple CarPlay
Yes
Yes
FM Radio
Yes
Yes
Steering Wheel Audio Controls
Yes
Yes
Voice Recognition
Yes
Yes
AUX Input
Yes
Yes
Audio Controls On Steering
Yes
Yes
Infotainment Display
Touchscreen
Touchscreen
Rear Usb
Yes
Yes
Audio Speakers
8 Bose Premium
8 Meridian Premium
Wireless Android Auto
Yes
Yes
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
LED Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lamps
LED
LED
Fog Lamps
No
LED
Roof Rails
Yes
Yes
Alloy Wheel Design
20-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Rear Spoiler
Yes
Yes
Wing Mirror Type
Power Adjustable
Power Adjustable
Rear Wiper
Yes
Yes
Door Handle Finish
Body Coloured
Body Coloured
Body Type
SUV
SUV
DRL
LED
LED
Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lights
Yes
Yes
Led Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Daytime Running Lights
LED
LED
Exterior Mirror Electric
Yes
Yes
Front Fog Lamps
No
LED
Headlamps
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Headlight Type
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Headlights
Full LED Parametric
Full LED Parametric
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Terrain Modes
Not confirmed
Not confirmed
Locking Differential
No
No
Ramp Breakover Angle
20 deg
20 deg
Hill Descent Control
No
No
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Tyre Size
255/45 R20
255/45 R20
Wheel Type
20-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Front Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Rear Brake Type
Disc
Disc
Spare Wheel Type
Steel
Steel
Parking Brake Type
Manual
Manual
Tyre Load Index
91
91
Tyre Speed Rating
H
H
Wheel Rim Size
20-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Brake Type Front
Disc (Ventilated)
Disc (Ventilated)
Brake Type Rear
Disc
Disc
Spare Tyre
Steel
Steel
Tyre Type
Tubeless Radial
Tubeless Radial
Wheel Diameter
20-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Wheelbase Mm
3000 mm
2815 mm
Wheels
20-inch Alloy
20-inch Alloy
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Front Suspension
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Chassis Type
Monocoque
Monocoque
Power Steering
Electric
Electric
Steering Column
Tilt
Tilt
Front Suspension Type
MacPherson Strut
MacPherson Strut
Rear Suspension Type
Multi-Link
Multi-Link
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Service Interval
12 months / 15000 km
15000 km / 12 months
Battery Warranty
8 Years / 160000 km
Not confirmed
Maintenance Plan
3 Years / 45000 km
3 Years / 45000 km
First Service At
15000
15000
Service Plan Duration
4
4
Service Plan Distance
4
4
Alternator
120A
120A
Battery Type
Lead-acid
Lead-acid
Gear Shift Indicator
Yes
Yes
Service Intervals
12 months / 15000 km
15000 km / 12 months
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
Warranty Years
5
5
Warranty Kilometers
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Anti-Corrosion Warranty
5 Years
5 Years
Basic Warranty
5
5
Roadside Assistance
5 Years
5 Years
Warranty
5
5
Spec
IONIQ 5
Santa Fe
CO2 Emissions
0 g/km
188 g/km
Start Stop System
No
No
Hybrid System Type
Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV)
Not confirmed
Fuel Octane Requirement
Electric
Diesel
Fuel Evaporation Control
Yes
Yes
Overall Verdict Score
Decision-grade view of the winner, score gap and category strengths.
Weighted / 100
Verdict readout
IONIQ 5 leads by 10 points
IONIQ 5 has a slight advantage, but Santa Fe remains highly competitive.
Performance
IONIQ 5 +26
Efficiency
IONIQ 5 +47
Safety
Level
Practicality
Santa Fe +19
Ownership
Level
Moderate difference between the models.
Why this scoreView full breakdown
Overall Winner
IONIQ 5
Performance
100/100
Efficiency
97/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
70/100
Ownership
65/100
Santa Fe
Performance
74/100
Efficiency
50/100
Safety
99/100
Practicality
89/100
Ownership
65/100
So, Which One Should You Buy?
🏆Hyundai IONIQ 5
wins with 87 pts
vs 77 pts for Santa Fe
In structured scoring, IONIQ 5 emerges as the stronger overall package. However, Santa Fe may appeal to buyers prioritising different factors. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your driving priorities in South Africa.
Other Comparisons Worth Checking
See how similar cars go head-to-head — you might find a better fit than you expected.
On our scoring the IONIQ 5 edges ahead overall. That said, the right choice depends on what you actually use the car for — the breakdown above shows exactly where each one wins and loses.
Efficiency scores: IONIQ 5 97 vs Santa Fe 50. In the real world, diesel variants of either car will beat the claimed figure on long highways and fall short in Joburg traffic.
Safety scores: IONIQ 5 99, Santa Fe 99. Check each model page for NCAP ratings and which trim levels include AEB and blind-spot monitoring — those features aren't always standard.
Long-term ownership scores: IONIQ 5 65, Santa Fe 65. Service intervals, parts availability in SA, and whether a service plan is bundled all factor in — check the individual variant specs for that detail.
Practicality scores: IONIQ 5 70, Santa Fe 89. This covers boot space, seat flexibility, and day-to-day usability — not just interior dimensions on paper.
Performance scores: IONIQ 5 100, Santa Fe 74. This looks at real-world pace — 0–100 kph, highway flexibility, and how either car feels when you actually need to overtake on an N-road.
Resale varies with colour, spec, and market timing, but Japanese brands — and Toyota specifically — have a strong track record in SA. Check current used prices for both on AutoTrader to see the real gap right now.
Ground clearance and 4WD availability are what matter most here. Scroll to the spec table above to compare both side by side — if either model offers a 4WD variant, that's the version worth comparing.
Fuel, insurance, and service costs are the big three. Diesel variants of both models typically save R800–R1,500/month in fuel at current SA pump prices. The IONIQ 5 edges the overall ownership score, but check whether either variant includes a service plan — that changes the monthly maths significantly.
The IONIQ 5 scores better overall, but neither car is a bad buy here. It comes down to what features matter to you — check the full spec table above to see exactly what you gain and lose at each price point.
In Depth — Breaking It All Down
The comparison between IONIQ 5 and Santa Fe in South Africa
evaluates performance, efficiency, safety, practicality and long-term ownership value.
Performance: IONIQ 5 scores 100 vs 74.
Efficiency: IONIQ 5 scores 97 vs 50.
Safety: IONIQ 5 scores 99 vs 99.
Practicality: IONIQ 5 scores 70 vs 89.
Ownership: IONIQ 5 scores 65 vs 65.
Final structured scoring gives IONIQ 5
the advantage in this comparison.
Compare
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